New Zealand beats host Japan at Tokyo Sevens rugby

Sherwin Stowers of New Zealand, right, is tackled by Sidney Ashioya of Kenya during their match at the Hong Kong Sevens rugby tournament in Hong Kong Saturday, March 23, 2013. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

Ben Lam of New Zealand, left, is tackled by Willy Ambaka of Kenya during their match at the Hong Kong Sevens rugby Tournament in Hong Kong Saturday, March 23, 2013. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

Fiji's Osea Kolinisau, right is tackled by Facundo Lavino of Spain, left during the day 2 match of the Hong Kong Sevens rugby tournament in Hong Kong Saturday, March 23, 2013. Fiji won 22-12. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

CORRECTS SPELING OF THE FIJI PLAYER'S NAME - Fiji's Ilai Tinai reacts after scoring a try during the first match against Hong Kong at the Hong Kong Sevens rugby tournament in Hong Kong, Friday, March 22, 2013. Fiji won 36-0. (AP Photo/Vincent Yu)

A rugby fan smiles during the first day of Hong Kong Sevens rugby tournament in Hong Kong, Friday, March 22, 2013. (AP Photo/Vincent Yu)

Rugby fans cheer up during the first day of Hong Kong Sevens rugby tournament in Hong Kong, Friday, March 22, 2013. (AP Photo/Vincent Yu)

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TOKYO (AP) — Sherwin Stowers scored three tries in the first half as world series leader New Zealand coasted to a 41-5 win over Japan on Saturday to clinch a spot in the Tokyo Sevens quarterfinals.

Gordon Tietjens' side beat France 26-7 in its first game and had little trouble with the hosts in its second match, taking a 17-5 lead at the break. Japan's only points came on a try by Jamie Henry in the first half at Prince Chichibu Memorial Ground.

Fiji, which successfully defended its Hong Kong Sevens title on Sunday, defeated South Africa 29-12 before they were made to work hard in a 17-5 win against a spirited Spain. Fiji trails New Zealand by 25 points in the series standings with two tournaments after Tokyo remaining.

Samoa, third in the standings four points behind Fiji, also advanced with a 31-21 win over England and a 17-14 victory over Argentina.

Scotland was the other undefeated team on Saturday after it beat Wales 12-10 and Kenya 12-0.